Small Japanese rocket engine explodes during a test but no injuries are reported
Smoke billows during a combustion test of an engine for new small Japanese rocket Epsilon S at Tanegashima Space Center, Kagoshima prefecture, southern Japan, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)[ASSOCIATED PRESS]
TOKYO (AP) — An engine for a new small Japanese rocket reportedly burst into flames Tuesday during a combustion test.
The fire, which was followed by an explosion and plumes of white smoke, followed an explosion last year by the same Epsilon S engine during a test, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported.
There were no injuries, Kyodo reported, citing the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, which is investigating.
Last year’s explosion happened after a piece of metal melted and damaged part of the engine, Kyodo said.
The Epsilon S rocket is meant to improve Japan’s position in the growing satellite launch market.
Smoke and fire is seen during a combustion test of an engine for a new small Japanese rocket Epsilon S at Tanegashima Space Center, Kagoshima prefecture, southern Japan, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS
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